Who went to the boat show in Boston?
I went and thoroughly enjoyed the show this year. Truthfully, I thought it was "a breath of fresh air." People were excited and enthusiastic about all the new boats.
Reports from the annual winter boat show in Boston indicated attendance was up and many happy people purchased boats. Exhibitors said they did "better than they expected."
As I was standing next to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary booth, I overheard new boaters asking questions. One person turned to me and asked, "What does your boat mean to you?"
Maybe I was caught by surprise by the question, but once I started answering, I couldn't stop. "To me, it is a way of life. A necessity. A second home. A vessel to freedom and adventure. Boat ownership is a way to have fun and bring family and friends together. To go on vacation. To hang out on the dock" The man gave a big smile, said "thanks" and then asked what's the key to making sure that he would have the same feelings about his boat. The answer is "simple," I said. "The key is where you KEEP your boat. There is no better place than the brand new Hingham Shipyard Marinas complex. The marina is a full service marina."
In case you haven't seen or heard, the historic Hingham Shipyard is being transformed into a "destination marina village." There will be 8 restaurants, Movie Theaters, 40 stores, Fresh Market, Fitness Club, plus luxury residences.
On my way home from the boat show, I heard on the radio that Daylight Savings Time happens early this year. We spring forward one hour March 8th. I just checked my tide chart to confirm that fact. The sun will be setting at 7 o'clock. Thoughts of getting the boat ready for the season quickly come to mind now with the longer days.
No bad news here!
Capt Lou
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Ahoy, Captain Lou!
ReplyDeleteI also attended the New England Boat Show and couldn’t help thinking that, in the last decade, my boat gained more value than my 401(k). This is not to suggest that a boat should replace the home as one’s principal asset. However, it does suggest that a well chosen boat can become the core component of one’s recreational portfolio, providing a focal point for family, social, and even business gatherings.
The wise buyer starts with a needs analysis, carefully distinguishing between wants and needs… but I’ll leave that lecture to the experts. You can be on the water for less than the cost of a family vacation, but rarely at a cost exceeding that of a second home. Just remember that needs change over time and, if you buy the right boat at the right price, you’re likely to be rewarded when you upgrade.
Whether we’re in, entering, or skirting the next Great Depression, this is a buyer’s market for those with discretionary income. There are opportunities in new and used boats. There are also opportunities to refit, refurbish, overhaul, and/or re-equip your existing boat, or that clunker in your neighbor’s yard.
As Captain Lou suggests, where you keep your boat is as important as the boat you keep. Experienced boaters know that finding another boat is easier than finding another full-service marina that suits your lifestyle. So, if sailing is your passion, and fishing runs a close second, you might cozy up to the boater with the Grady White who longs to learn the difference between a boom vang and a gooseneck. You’re likely to find him, or her, at the next marina lecture, wine tasting, or barbecue.
See you at the next marina event. Fair winds and tight lines.